Hoad Monument Sir John Barrow
Iconic 100ft tower on Hoad Hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Ulverston and the surrounding landscape. A rewarding hike with historical si...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Tower access when flags fly
Hoad Monument Sir John Barrow
Best Time
Tower access when flags fly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 100ft tower on Hoad Hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Ulverston and the surrounding landscape. A rewarding hike with historical significance.
"The views from the top are amazing, and the climb up Hoad Hill is a great way to get some exercise."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up Hoad Hill is not flat. Trainers are a must for a comfortable climb and descent.
🚩 Check Tower Access
The monument tower is usually open on Sundays and bank holidays when flags are flying.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sir John Barrow Monument
Top of Hoad Hill
A 100-foot tower commemorating Sir John Barrow, offering panoramic views of Ulverston and the surrounding landscape.
Panoramic Hilltop Views
Hoad Hill Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Ulverston, the sea, and distant mountains. Perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
The Monument's Interior
Inside Sir John Barrow Monument
Climb the 112 steps for a unique perspective and discover names inscribed on the walls. A bit daunting for some, but rewarding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Tower Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up Hoad Hill is not flat. Trainers are a must for a comfortable climb and descent.
🚩 Check Tower Access
The monument tower is usually open on Sundays and bank holidays when flags are flying.
☕ Coffee at the Bottom
No cafe on the hill, but the Orangery at the base offers refreshments post-climb.
💩 Watch Your Step
Be mindful of sheep droppings on the paths, especially after rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up Hoad Hill is not flat. Trainers are a must for a comfortable climb and descent.
🚩 Check Tower Access
The monument tower is usually open on Sundays and bank holidays when flags are flying.
☕ Coffee at the Bottom
No cafe on the hill, but the Orangery at the base offers refreshments post-climb.
💩 Watch Your Step
Be mindful of sheep droppings on the paths, especially after rain.
🚗 Parking Advice
Avoid relying solely on the monument's postcode; use Ford Park's postcode and walk through the park.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the top are stunning, perfect for landscape photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hoad Monument for its stunning panoramic views and the rewarding hike up Hoad Hill. The free access and historical significance of the Sir John Barrow Monument are also highly appreciated. Some find the tower climb a bit daunting, and parking can be inconvenient, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"I’ve went up Hoad Hill a lot of times when I was living in Ulverston, but I don’t regret it one bit. First, you get good exercise. There are a lot of stairs to walk up, but you can see a lot of Ulverston from there. Second, when you get up, the view is amazing. Although it is windy, which it always will be on top of a hill. From there, you can take it one step, or should I say 112 steps further, and go up the Sir John Barrow Monument, where there are names all over the walls and a beautiful view of sheep.
Talking about sheep, make sure you’re careful while climbing up, because you could stand/sit on some of their poop."
Maiia
"Nice to walk to this monument. It's about 20 mins climb and 20 mins down on almost flat surface. You can see both mountains and the sea from up there."
Vincent Rainardi
"A lovely walk. It is on a hill, it’s far from flat and even terrain. Definitely a job for your trainers. Not too far. About a mile up and a mile down. Google maps says will show you the way up! No cafe. Grab a coffee from the Orangery at the bottom of the hill after.
Not buggy/pram friendly! Cracking view at the top."
Christine Israel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hoad Monument is located on Hoad Hill, just northeast of Ulverston. You can walk to it from Ulverston town center, which takes about 20 minutes. For driving, it's recommended to use the postcode for Ford Park and then walk through the park to reach the monument, as direct postcodes can lead to difficult lanes.
Parking can be tricky directly at the monument. It's best to park near Ford Park and then take a pleasant walk through the park to ascend Hoad Hill.
While cycling is possible, the path up Hoad Hill can be steep and uneven in places. Many visitors prefer to walk.
Unfortunately, the path up Hoad Hill is not considered buggy or pram friendly due to the uneven terrain.
A popular approach is to park near Ford Park and enjoy a scenic walk through the park, leading to the base of Hoad Hill for the climb.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Hoad Monument and the grounds is free. Donations are gratefully accepted to help with its upkeep.
Access to the tower is typically limited to Sundays and bank holidays, usually when flags are flying. It's advisable to check locally for specific opening times.
No booking is required for general access to the monument grounds. For special events like the music festival, tickets would be necessary.
The grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. The tower itself has limited access, primarily on Sundays and bank holidays.
Climbing the tower is free of charge, though donations are appreciated.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll see the impressive 100-foot tower commemorating Sir John Barrow, and from the top of Hoad Hill, you get stunning panoramic views of Ulverston, the coast, and the surrounding countryside.
The climb is about a mile up and a mile down, taking around 20 minutes. It's a steady incline and not considered overly difficult, but requires comfortable footwear. +1
The views are described as amazing and cracking, offering vistas of both mountains and the sea. It can be windy at the summit. +1
No, there are no public toilets available at the Hoad Monument itself.
It's a 100-foot tower built in 1850 to commemorate Sir John Barrow, a prominent figure born in Ulverston. The tower contains information about his life and achievements.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Hoad Hill offers the best panoramic shots. The monument itself is also a striking subject, especially against a clear sky. 
Absolutely! The elevated position provides sweeping views of the coastline, hills, and Ulverston, making it ideal for landscape photographers.
Yes, you can take photos inside the monument as you climb the stairs. The inscriptions on the walls and the views from the windows offer unique photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for both the monument and the surrounding landscape. Midday provides clear, bright views.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at the Hoad Monument. However, always be respectful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Inside the monument, the 112 steps can be an exciting challenge for older children, and they might enjoy spotting the names inscribed on the walls. Remember to bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the hill. The free entry makes it a budget-friendly outing for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Once at the top, the panoramic views are a significant draw, appealing to hikers who appreciate expansive landscapes. The opportunity to climb the monument's tower adds an extra layer of adventure. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven, and be prepared for potentially windy conditions at the summit.
📸 Photographers
+1Consider visiting during golden hour for the most atmospheric shots, with the soft light illuminating the landscape. The interior of the monument, with its inscribed walls and unique perspectives through the windows, also offers interesting photographic subjects. Remember to bring your camera and plenty of storage!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Sir John Barrow
The tower itself is a striking piece of architecture, designed to be visible from afar. Inside, visitors can ascend a spiral staircase, with the walls adorned with names and inscriptions, a testament to the many who have made the climb over the years. The effort of climbing the 112 steps is rewarded with unparalleled views, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Beyond its historical significance, the Hoad Monument has also become a venue for community events. The Sir John Barrow Music Festival, for instance, has hosted recitals within the monument, blending culture with the unique atmosphere of the location. This shows how the monument continues to be a vibrant part of Ulverston's identity.
The Hoad Hill Hike and Views
Upon reaching the summit, the reward is spectacular panoramic views. From this vantage point, you can see across Ulverston, out towards the coast, and over rolling hills and distant mountains. Many reviewers highlight the 'amazing' and 'cracking' views, emphasizing that the effort of the climb is well worth it. Be prepared for windy conditions at the top, which is common for exposed hilltops.
For those who enjoy photography, the Hoad Hill summit is a prime location. The expansive vistas offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography, capturing the beauty of the Furness peninsula. The monument itself also makes for a striking subject against the sky, especially during sunrise or sunset.
+1
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